sammyUSA @ Royal Park Cellars
By Neil HansonIt's cold, it's Friday night, it's the Royal Park Cellars and it's empty for Herrod's arrival on stage. But don't let that put you off because (incredibly) playing to empty venues is nothing new for Herrod and they know just how to handle it. Herrod can provide anything from an ultra-unmelodic wall of noise, to some of the most beautifully enthralling lo-fi hardcore-ish soundscapes available in the UK. I may have seen them about a million times but I still find it difficult to suss out exactly what the fuck they are doing, or at least supposed to be doing. There's plenty of new material tonight and the room fills up gradually during the set. James Whipp (vocals) has a lot more confidence these days but still occasionally sounds like Mr Idlewild's slightly introverted younger brother. Pete and Flynn are one of the solidest rhythm sections around, and this is no mean feat considering some of the outlandishly complex song structures Herrod execute. Rik on guitar is clearly demented and beats seven shades of shit out of his telecaster while unintelligibly screaming from time to time, and in doing so adds a strangely sinister showbiz edge to some of Herrod's output. A disturbingly brilliant opening to the evening.
And now for the surprise package of the evening. Never heard of this next lot before but they're damn fine. Manchester's Desolation Angels may well have a shit name, but they're top knacker when it comes to playing wiry leftfield and occasionally ethereal downbeat pop. The 3 girl vocals are ace in the PJ Harvey / Kristin Hersch mould and Steph on the keyboards produces some interesting background noises behind the predominantly guitar led music. The drummer boy looks absolutely bored shitless (or is that moody and intense?) but they managed to keep me and my very short attention span interested for half an hour so they must be doing something right.
I've seen sammyUSA a few times recently and they seem to be getting talked about an awful lot. I must confess though, I'm yet to be convinced that they have what it takes to make a big impact nationally. sammyUSA do look the part and exude professionalism but although the songs are well crafted and superbly performed (sounding from time to time like Coldplay, Supergrass and Suede) they don't have any killer songs to give them that extra special something. Still, what do I know? The crowd love it and the addition of Katie (think that's her name) on keyboards gives 'em a much fuller sound than the sammyUSA of a year ago. Keep your eyes on this lot and who knows, they may just prove me wrong.
